Anurag Kashyap, Dibakar Banerjee to direct TV crime shows

By Hindustan Times

If things go well, India will see its first-ever ‘crime-only’ channel. Apparently, a leading TV broadcaster is planning to launch a channel dedicated to the genre soon. And the buzz is that filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap, Dibakar Banerjee and Nishikant Kamath have been approached to make pilot episodes.

It is believed that Anurag has already shot his piece. “Anurag has already made his pilot. It has come out well. Nishi (Kamath) is currently busy sorting out details like casting and locations,” confirms a source.

The insider also adds that the broadcaster is in no hurry to launch the channel since they are aiming for a standard and set up comparable to that of international channels like FOX Crime. “That’s why they wanted big filmmakers to direct the pilot episodes and take things to the next level,” adds the insider.

And though big-ticket filmmakers are on board, the episodes are not likely to feature any Bollywood stars. “Around 40 people have acted in Anurag’s film. And for Nishi’s film too, as many actors are expected. If everything works out, the channel might start by the end of the year,” says the insider.

When contacted, Dibakar and Anurag feigned ignorance. “No one has got in touch with me yet. They may have plans to approach me, but I’m just back from a holiday, so I don’t know what’s happening,” says Shanghai director Dibakar. Anurag, on his part, adds, “Nothing has happened as yet. They might be planning to approach me.”